Michael Schumacher was a ruthless force of nature on the track, but he knew how to unwind away from it too.
Johnny Herbert has shared an interesting anecdote about Michael Schumacher’s party behavior. The renowned seven-time world champion, known for being a dedicated family man, would often engage in lively parties outside of the racetrack, often involving alcohol.
During their time together at Benetton, Herbert had the opportunity to get to know Schumacher on a more personal level. He joined the team after Jos Verstappen and Finnish driver JJ Lehto, who had previously shared the role alongside the legendary German during the 1994 season. Herbert then continued as Schumacher’s teammate for the 1995 campaign, witnessing his consecutive championship victories.
In 1996, Schumacher made the move to Ferrari, where he went on to secure an impressive five more World Championships, revitalizing the iconic Italian constructor after a challenging period.
In an interview with BettingSites.co.uk, Herbert spoke about Schumacher’s party antics, stating that it showcased the fun-loving side of his personality. While Schumacher was known for his intense dedication to his craft and his relentless pursuit of excellence, he also knew how to let loose and enjoy himself.
However, there was that period of rest at the end of the season, the calm moment that we always experienced after Adelaide. He would indulge in the alcoholic delights that were available, and we all joined in. It was something we could only do once a year.
He would go around the room, and his party trick was to tear off everyone’s shirts. Sometimes trousers too, but it was mainly buttoned shirts that he took pleasure in ripping off. That was the playful side of him. These are the memories that most people didn’t witness, but they are the cherished memories I have of him. He possessed a fantastic sense of humor, and hopefully, it is something we will witness again.
Herbert wasn’t the only former driver who has shared stories of the Formula 1 legend’s legendary parties. His brother, Ralf Schumacher, also provided a glimpse behind the scenes, stating to Formel1.de: “We had numerous unforgettable parties back then at Karl-Heinz Zimmermann’s catering.
“The achievements that Michael accomplished. But even then, we celebrated, and it was usually in Suzuka, where things got quite wild. I recall torn pants and such, but that was all part of it. We would even drive to the hotel in the evening on a forklift. I was on it too. It was a lot of fun. These are memories, very dear memories that I wouldn’t want to forget.”
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